Here is a 1993 fictional film account of one of the more mysterious thinkers of modern theatre, Antonin Artaud.
Good Internet resources on Artaud are difficult to find and generally speaking his theories on theatre aren’t the easiest to understand, either.
Renowned for his ideas summarised under the umbrella Theatre of Cruelty, Artaud has been hailed by many as a genius yet loathed by others as a complete madman.
The French poet-actor’s life consisted of periods taking narcotics coupled with numerous occasions living in mental asylums. Was he a brilliant artist or simply insane?
This film is relevant to drama and theatre teachers, not your students. I suggest only university students would gain anything from it, as most worthwhile information about Artaud, whether it be text or visual, is usually hard going.
I recommend teachers read this account of the film My Life and Times With Antonin Artaud before viewing it.
Warning: this film contains graphic scenes and strong adult themes. Press the text symbol at the bottom of screen for English subtitles.